NCJ Number
133717
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 96,98,100,102-103
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The APAC Prison is an alternative facility operated by Prison Fellowship Brazil without any armed guards or high-tech security devices. The prison's operations are based on love of God and respect for man.
Abstract
The 360 inmates have been convicted of crimes ranging from murder to robbery to drug-related crimes; the average sentence is 10 years. The prison is run by volunteers and inmates, who learn to take responsibility for changing their lives. The three guiding principles for the prison are that Christianity is the basis for rehabilitation, prisoners are responsible for each other, and family bonds are important in helping offenders. There are three stages in the Prison Fellowship Brazil rehabilitation program. First, inmates learn to care for each other through performing simple tasks; in this phase, they are confined to their cells and other secure areas. Next, inmates are allowed to move freely throughout the prison, and they learn a job skill; they may accompany first-stage inmates to outside appointments. Any violations result in being moved back to the first stage. In the final stage, offenders leave the prison to work outside each day; they return at night and for all scheduled programs.